Macaroni Boy

BULLYING: A GUIDE Macaroni Boy by Katherine Ayres Blubber by Judy Blume Spider Boy by Ralph Fletcher True Blue by Jeffrey Lee Feather Boy by Nick Springer The books in this guide all deal with bullying. Use the questions to open discussion with your students on this important topic. Additional themes include challenges, friendships growing up, peer pressure, and self-discovery. ABOUT BULLYING Bullying isn't a new problem in schools. Almost all adults will say that they either encountered or knew a bully in their childhood. Some will say they were victimized, and others will admit to being innocent bystanders. And, some may even reveal that they were bullies themselves. No one wants to be called names or teased and taunted. No one wants to be left out of a ballgame or a school activity. No one wants their personal belongings ruined or their secrets revealed. New kids in school, and children who are different, especially mentally and physically challenged kids, are often the targets. These kids are already on the outside, and therefore vulnerable. Bullies are seeking attention and want to feel important. They feed their low self-esteem by being mean to others. Newspapers, magazines, television and radio news are filled with incidents of schoolyard bullying. Why has bullying become such a worldwide issue in schools today? Is bullying the beginning of school violence? Whatever the reasons, schools and parents must develop ways of helping children cope with the local school bully. Children who are being bullied are often quiet about it. The bully may have threatened them if they "tattle" or they may feel embarrassed. HOW TO RESPOND Observant adults will notice if a child is quieter than usual, suddenly afraid of going to school, shows a drop in grades, and doesn't want to play with friends or participate in after school activities. Ask questions. Engage them in conversation about the way they are feeling. Role-play a hypothetical incident. Encourage them to talk with someone they trust. Suggest they write about their feelings in a journal. Give them books to read.Ayres, Katherine is the author of 'Macaroni Boy', published 2004 under ISBN 9780440418849 and ISBN 0440418844.